RADIATION THREAT

In our region of the state, radiation emergencies may not appear to be a major concern. However, as the recent tragedy in Japan has displayed, the effects of a nuclear accident can be far-reaching. To assist in preparing for such an emergency, the following questions and answers are provided:

What Is Radiation?

·Radiation is a form of energy that is present all around us.

·Different types of radiation exist, some of which have more energy than others.

·Amounts of radiation released into the environment are measured in units called curies. However, the dose of radiation that a person receives is measured in units called rem.

How Can Exposure Occur?

·People are exposed to small amounts of radiation every day, both from naturally occurring sources (such as elements in the soil or cosmic rays from the sun), and man-made sources. Man-made sources include some electronic equipment (such as microwave ovens and television sets), medical sources (such as x-rays, certain diagnostic tests, and treatments), and from nuclear weapons testing.

·The amount of radiation from natural or man-made sources to which people are exposed is usually small; a radiation emergency (such as a nuclear power plant accident or a terrorist event) could expose people to small or large doses of radiation, depending on the situation.

·Contamination refers to particles of radioactive material that are deposited anywhere that they are not supposed to be, such as on an object or on a person’s skin.

·Exposure occurs when radiation energy penetrates the body. For example, when a person has an x-ray, he or she is exposed to radiation.

What Happens When People Are Exposed to Radiation?

·Radiation can affect the body in a number of ways, and the adverse health effects of exposure may not be apparent for many years.

·These adverse health effects can range from mild effects, such as skin reddening, to serious effects such as cancer and death, depending on the amount of radiation absorbed by the body (the dose), the type of radiation, the route of exposure, and the length of time a person was exposed.

·Exposure to very large doses of radiation may cause death within a few days or months.

·Exposure to lower doses of radiation may lead to an increased risk of developing cancer or other adverse health effects later in life.

What Types of Events Might Involve Radiation?

Radiation emergencies may be either intentional (e.g., caused by terrorists) or unintentional or unplanned. The first category would include:

·Develop your own family emergency plan so that every family member knows what to do.

·At home, put together an emergency kit that would be appropriate for any emergency. The kit should include the following items:

oA flashlight with extra batteries

oA portable radio with extra batteries

oBottled water

oCanned and packaged food

oA hand-operated can opener

oA first-aid kit and essential prescription medications

oPersonal items such as paper towels, garbage bags, and toilet paper

How Can I Protect Myself During a Radiation Emergency?

·After a release of radioactive materials, local authorities will monitor the levels of radiation and determine what protective actions to take.

·The most appropriate action will depend on the situation. Tune to the local emergency response network or news station for information and instructions during any emergency.

·If a radiation emergency involves the release of large amounts of radioactive materials, you may be advised to “shelter in place,” which means to stay in your home or office; or you may be advised to move to another location.

·If you are advised to shelter in place, you should do the following:

oClose and lock all doors and windows.

oTurn off fans, air conditioners, and forced-air heating units that bring in fresh air from the outside. Only use units to recirculate air that is already in the building.

oClose fireplace dampers.

oIf possible, bring pets inside.

oMove to an inner room or basement.

oKeep your radio tuned to the emergency response network or local news to find out what else you need to do.

·If you are advised to evacuate, follow the directions that your local officials provide. Leave the area as quickly and orderly as possible. In addition –